AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

The nature of courage : a historical and critical analysis of the problem of courage as found in the works of Plato, Aristotle, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

by Richard Luman. Bennett




Institution: McGill University
Department: Department of Philosophy.
Degree: Masters of Arts.
Year: 1948
Keywords: Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274.; Aristotle.; Plato.; BRAVERY AND COURAGE.
Record ID: 1528305
Full text PDF: http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/thesisfile124832.pdf


Abstract

[...] Difficulties are, however, by no means necessarily objections. In the Unes which follow the .intention has been to analyze what three outstanding philosophers meant by courage, how it is related to the other cardinal virtues, and where each of these thinkers stands with respect to the notions presented above. From such an analysis it is hoped that some support will be found for the authorfs own position, namely that courage is a habit of will which makes for something being done without dissuasion by adverse circumstances. We shall inquire (1) whether courage is a virtue, (2) whether courage is the first virtue, (3) hcw courage is said to be a cardinal virtue, (4) what is the relation of courage to the other virtue, (5) what is the proper object of courage— whether fear, daring, suffering, or some other thing, (6) whether if concerned with fear it is concerned with every fear or solely with fear of death,' and if with fear of death then with death of any sort or solelywith death in battle, (7) which is the cief act of courage and whether this act is directed to its own good or another, (8) whether courage takes pleasure in its own act or whether pleasure is alien to that act, (9) whether courage is concerned chiefly with sudden occurences or with occurences of every sort, and (10) what are the vices opposed to courage. In replying to these questions we shall have answered all that can properly be asked about courage per se. [...]